Hasti Bala Bar at the Carlton Club

Wild jungle safari arrives at the Carlton Club with the opening of another bar in the building, this one’s on level three.

Photography: Josie Withers

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Photography: Josie Withers

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Photography: Josie Withers

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Published on 14 March 2012

by Harry Azidis

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The giant elephant’s head sitting over the DJ booth of the new Hasti Bala Bar truly sets the tone for this new extension to The Carlton Hotel. Up on the third level of this ever-growing venue, a brand new fit out and an intimate, yet wild jungle safari theme means this is one elephant in the room that nobody can ignore.

It’s certainly a place for the senses – watching people walking in and take a step back as they quickly settle themselves and crack a big smile. Plush booths, a state of the art sound system, a late night license and the Carlton’s signature over-the-top décor are the name of the game here.

Yet to be fully open to the public, owner Tracey Lester envisions it more as a private function space, with the odd event here and there, rather than just another bar that’s open all the time. Adjoining the Palmz Rooftop Bar, the two spaces can be combined to create a unique, inside-outside space for up to 300 guests. Hasti Bala will also be a venue for community arts events, performances and product launches. Already it’s hosted Jenny Bannister and Phillip Boon’s Fashion Torque chat show and the Cheap Thrills clothing launch, and L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Cultural Program events are in the works too.

Hasti Bala has certainly filled a gap for a bar space with a bit of a difference.